What can I put under my bird cage to keep the floor clean?

Keeping the area under your bird’s cage clean can be a challenge, but it’s important for the health of your bird and the hygiene of your home. Bird droppings, food and feathers can quickly accumulate under the cage, making a mess. Putting something under the cage to catch debris can help keep your floors clean. There are several options for cage liners that make cleanup easier.

Newspaper

One of the simplest and most inexpensive solutions is to use sheets of newspaper under the cage. Lay down a few layers of newspaper underneath the cage to catch droppings and food. Replace the paper daily or whenever it gets too dirty. Newspaper is very absorbent and does a decent job soaking up messes. Just be sure to remove damp or soiled areas promptly to prevent odors.

Newspaper is also disposable and biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly choice. It’s often free if you save old newspapers. The ink is non-toxic, so it’s safe for birds. The crinkling sound of newspaper can also be stimulating enrichment for birds.

However, newspaper ink can potentially rub off on your bird’s feet, feathers or beak. The thin sheets tear easily and don’t always protect floors from poop seeping through. Newspaper also needs to be changed frequently to stay sanitary.

Paper Towels

Paper towels can also be used under bird cages. They are highly absorbent and great at soaking up all types of cage messes. Bounty and Viva paper towels work well since they are thicker and more durable than generic brands.

Line the bottom of the cage with a layer or two of paper towels. They can simply be discarded and replaced once soiled. Using paper towels reduces the need to wash the cage liner as frequently. Like newspaper, paper towels are an affordable, disposable option.

However, excessive feathers, seed husks and large bird poops may seep through paper towels onto the floor. Paper towel rolls generate lots of waste since they usually can’t be reused. Birds may also shred up and ingest pieces of paper towel.

Puppy Pee Pads

Puppy pee pads are another disposable option that absorbs waste while protecting floors. These pads consist of a layered, absorbent core cushioned between soft top and bottom sheets. They are designed to soak up urine and feces.

Brands like Four Paws pee pads have a plastic bottom layer that prevents liquid from leaking through. Place pee pads underneath cages to contain messes. Simply throw them out and replace with fresh pads as needed. Pee pads are an affordable way to maintain cleanliness.

The downside is that thin pee pads easily tear and shred. Bigger birds can poke holes in the pads with their talons and beaks. The pads also generate lots of waste. Birds may try to chew and ingest pieces of the pad.

Newspaper Pellets

Newspaper pellets made from recycled paper offer another approach. Products like Yesterday’s News unscented paper cat litter contain absorbent pellets that soak up moisture.

Spread an even layer of pellets under the cage to catch bird droppings, food scraps and feather debris. The pellets have good odor control and can be spot cleaned daily by removing soiled areas.

Every week, dump out the full pellet layer and replace with fresh pellets. Newspaper pellets are an affordable, eco-friendly product that controls messes. They also provide secure footing for the bird with a soft texture.

However, excessive liquids may penetrate through the pellets onto the floor. Birds can track the pellets out of the cage making a mess. Ingesting the pellets can also cause crop impaction or toxicity.

Reusable Cage Mats

For a reusable option, cage mats are designed to fit under bird cages. They have a waterproof layer on the bottom to protect floors, with an absorbent upper layer to soak up droppings and debris.

Mats made of fleece or microfiber work well. The soft fabric has a tight weave that blocks waste from seeping through. Machine wash the mats regularly using gentle detergent and air dry. Brands like Poopoff bird cage liners offer durable construction and convenient sizes to fit different cages.

The advantages of cage mats are that they are reusable, machine washable and contain messes. They provide a soft surface that is gentle on birds’ feet. Mats also come in decorative colors and patterns.

However, droppings, feather dust and food can accumulate in fabric mats and require frequent washing. Mats may need to be replaced over time as stitching unravels. Birds can pick at looped threads or loose strings. Mats slide around and won’t stay in place underneath some cages.

Vinyl Tablecloths

Wipeable vinyl tablecloths offer a protective floor covering under cages. Look for medium weight vinyl cloths designed for picnics and patio use. They have a non-porous surface that won’t absorb waste.

Cut the vinyl to fit the cage base. Wipe the vinyl clean regularly using paper towels and an avian-safe disinfectant. This eliminates messes and helps control germs. With proper cleaning, vinyl cloths can be reused for months.

They provide complete floor coverage under the cage. The non-stick surface keeps debris from sticking to the liner. Tablecloths are inexpensive to replace when worn out. Wipeable vinyl is also safe if nibbled or shredded by birds.

On the downside, vinyl cloths are slippery and may need to be secured beneath the cage. They are prone to cracking over time. Birds can potentially choke on pieces of vinyl if ingested.

Interlocking Foam Mats

Interlocking foam mats give full floor protection while absorbing messes. These soft foam tiles connect together like puzzle pieces. Brands like Waxman foam floor mats have a non-porous vinyl surface that won’t soak up moisture.

The foam underneath cushions birds’ feet and absorbs drips and waste. Use the mats wall-to-wall under the entire cage. They are thick enough to prevent leaks onto the floor. Simply wipe the surface clean as needed. Foam mats are durable and long-lasting.

However, foam mats are more expensive initially. Over time, the foam may compress or deteriorate. Birds can pick at and shred pieces off the mats. Large bird nails may puncture the material. Proper cleaning is needed to prevent odor buildup.

Cement Mixer Trays

For large bird cages, concrete cement mixer trays provide an extra-large protective base. These tough plastic trays are designed to hold large volumes of wet cement.

When placed under a cage, the textured plastic catches all debris, food, feathers and poop. Liquids drain through built-in holes so the tray doesn’t get swamped. Due to the large size, the trays only need occasional cleaning.

Cement mixer trays are extremely durable and chew proof. They won’t absorb odors or leaks. The heavy-duty plastic withstands regular pressure washing. The rough texture gives birds good traction. Trays come in big sizes to accommodate giant cages.

However, these industrial trays are bulky and heavy even when empty. They can be expensive. The ridged texture can be hard on birds’ feet. The holes may allow small debris to leak out. Moving and washing the trays takes effort due to the large size.

Oil Dri Granules

For a loose particle liner, oil dri granules made from kiln dried clay are very absorbent. Brands like Oil-Dri premium absorbent can soak up over 40 times their weight in liquid.

Spread an even 3-4 inch layer of granules on the floor under the cage to create a protective base. The granules will contain all moisture, drippings and debris from the cage. Scoop out the soiled granules regularly and replace with fresh product as needed.

Oil dri clay absorbs odors and allows waste to pass through while keeping floors clean. It provides a natural surface for birds to stand on. The clay granules are non-toxic if ingested. Being loose particles, the material shifts to stay level under the cage.

However, clay granules can get tracked out of the cage area making a mess. If ingested, the granules may cause crop impaction. The product is dusty when pouring and needs to be replenished frequently. Granules won’t absorb large bird poops without creating a slurry.

conclusions

There are many options for protecting your floors and keeping the area under a bird cage clean. Reusable cage mats and interlocking foam tiles offer durable solutions, while newspaper and pee pads provide disposable convenience. Consider your cage size, bird types, budget and cage location when selecting the best liner.

Change or wash liners frequently for cleanliness and odor control. Spot clean daily and do full liner changes at least weekly. Proper use of a cage liner saves time cleaning and keeps your floors protected. Maintaining a clean area under the cage is essential for your pet’s health.